Meet Chelsea Wakefield, Ph.D., LCSW, CST (AASECT Certified Sex Therapist), and certified 4-D Wheel Practitioner
1. Can you tell us about your introduction to the 4-D Wheel, and what motivated you to learn more about the wheel and the 4-D Network?
I met Gina through a series of synchronicities. I had just reawakened and re-embraced the Aphrodite energy of a much younger identity. My inner “wild-child” had been an important part of my youth, but I left “her” by the side of the road in the process of becoming a respectable clinician and responsible mother. At mid-life, she re-emerged with such force that I had to face her, know her, value her and re-integrate her into my adult life and flagging marriage. During that time, I somehow found Gina’s book Women Who Love Sex. I then ordered The Heart and Soul of Sex. These books spoke to me at such a deep level. I was so relieved to discover that there were other women who loved sex and that this was actually OK! I then googled her, and immediately enrolled in an upcoming ISIS weekend at Rowe Center. I remained after the end of the workshop and Gina and I talked for about 4 hours, making what became a life-long connection. She was a treasured mentor and friend from 2008 until her death. One of the most fun workshops I ever offered was one in which we blended my Luminous Woman group with an ISIS weekend. Gina and I co-led the weekend and called it Luminous Sexuality. Some of the pictures Gina used in future books – of women sitting around circles of fire – were taken at that weekend.
2. How do you use the 4-D Wheel, and what is your specialty?
I am a couples therapist and an AASECT certified sex therapist and the philosophy of 4-D undergirds all that I do. I believe in sexuality as a path of growth and an invitation into the depths of who we are. I also believe that we can transcend old stories and write new ones that empower us to live into new realities. We can do this in regard to our sexuality as well as every area of our life. I regularly use symbollic objects, narratives, and metaphors to explore sexual issues and a host of other issues. It is so easy to lay out 4 cards on the floor and get people up and moving through the realms of heart, mind, body, and soul. As we surface old messages, maladaptive schemas, we can leave behind outdated modes of living, and untangle conflicting needs and desires. In this process inner space opens, and new possibilities emerge from our depths. In this expanded space we can live into a more empowered, meaning filled, pleasure oriented life.
3. What do you hope to do more of in the world using the 4-D Wheel as one of your tools to help heal people, and what is your vision or mission for this work?
I am devoted to growing the Luminous Woman community – a group of women who have graduated from the Luminous Woman Weekend and want to live deeply and profoundly in all areas of their lives. This is a community of women who uphold each other on the journey of becoming everything they were born to be.
4. What message do you have for other 4-D members?
If you want to learn yet another creative application of Gina Ogden’s 4-D wheel centered around women’s archetypes, come to the upcoming Luminous Woman Weekend – September 9-11 in Little Rock Arkansas. We always enter the sexual realm, but we talk about other struggles, dreams and longings as well. Profound healings occur as women transcend old stories. Come join me and bring 2 objects, one that represents something in your story that you want to let go of, and one to represent something you want to embrace or live into. This is a protected time away where women can take a deep dive into the amazing realm of feminine archetypes. You will begin by defining your current archetypal profile – the old story – and then thru a series of transformational experiences you will embody new archetypal energies that will help you transcend old limitations and open up whole realms of potential not yet dreamed of. Each woman will leave with a new sense of clarity, empowerment and inspiration that will carry her forward into a realization of meaningful goals and dreams. I hope you’ll join me for this amazing adventure!
To contact Chelsea, visit: https://chelseawakefield.com/
